Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the
relative teaching time and student effort required to
successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may
include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also
the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and
complete all assessment requirements, including any
non-classroom activities.

This elective unit deals with the knowledge, skills, judgments, values and attitudes needed to provide evidence based dental hygiene therapeutic, preventive and supportive services, and educational intervention to patients who are under the care of a specialist dental practitioner, in a periodontal setting, as part of the oral health care team.
The purpose of this unit is to build on the competencies already developed in the core units and apply these in a setting devoted to the treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases and conditions within the context of dental hygiene practice. It will also include the role of the dental hygienist in providing assistance with surgical periodontal procedures.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

TAFEDH027 Practice in a periodontal environment

Element:

1. Establish and maintain an effective and collaborative relationship with a patient

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Courtesy and empathy is demonstrated through
communication with the patient

1.2 Communication is used constructively to develop and
maintain effective relationships with patients
1.3 Trust and confidence of patients/clients is consistently
generated in all of the relevant work activities that are
undertaken
1.4 Confidentiality and privacy of patients is consistently
maintained
1.5 Patient rights and roles in decision making is respected
and actively encouraged
1.6 Socially inclusive communication skills are used at all
times and demonstrated behaviours encourage a
supportive environment that is conducive to establishing
collaborative relationships
1.7 Feedback from patient regarding quality of care is acted
upon

Element:

2. Prepare and present the surgery

Performance Criteria:

2.1 All equipment, materials and instruments required for
any proposed operative or surgical procedures are
gathered and arranged within the treatment cubicle,
dispensed in appropriate quantity and used according to
relevant guidelines and manufacturer’s
recommendations
2.2 Equipment and instruments are maintained according to
relevant guidelines for instrument maintenance
2.3 The surgery is prepared to cater for any predetermined
special needs of the patient
2.4 All necessary safety precautions during the preparation
and presentation of the surgery have been followed

Element:

3. Conduct a periodontal examination

Performance Criteria:

3.1 A comprehensive and systematic medical, dental and
social history is completed and data collected, by:
&#61623; interview
&#61623; questionnaire
&#61623; observation
&#61623; measurement
&#61623; examination
&#61623; radiographic procedures
are recorded according to the organisational policies
and procedures
3.2 Relevant clinical data is collected to perform a
periodontal health and risk assessment
3.3 Data collecting and recording procedures and rationale
are discussed with the patient

3.4 Patient privacy and confidentiality is preserved and
maintained at all times
3.5 All stages of the assessment are conducted according
to occupational health, safety and welfare policy and
procedures and infection control policy and procedures

Element:

4. Devise a care plan based on specialist request

Performance Criteria:

4.1 A dental hygiene treatment plan is established that
incorporates treatment, preventive and supportive
hygiene interventions, prioritised to cater for the
patient’s periodontal and oral health needs and takes
into consideration the patients own goals, values and
preferences
4.2 The care plan is integrated within the overall periodontal
treatment plan
4.3 Adhering to the principles of informed consent, the care
plan is discussed comprehensively with the patient, who
is provided with the opportunity to clarify issues and is
informed of possible treatment outcomes resulting from
any planned treatment. Consent and acceptance of the
care plan is confirmed with the patient

Element:

5. Implement educational interventions for the management of periodontal diseases and conditions, validated by the specialist dental practitioner

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Information to be imparted to the patient is selected
according to evidence based criteria and customised to
meet the patient’s needs, goals and expectations
5.2 Selection of educational information and content is
validated by the specialist
5.3 Educational interventions are delivered at a pace that
will encourage an understanding of the patient’s own
periodontal and oral health status in relation to their
overall health and well-being
5.4 The patient is given regular opportunities to actively
participate and clarify information
5.5 Effective questioning techniques are used to evaluate
comprehension and retention levels
5.6 Correct instructions are given for the use of specific oral
hygiene aids, and any safety precautions associated
with the use of these are clearly given
5.7 Regular review sessions utilising a variety of evaluation
methodologies are implemented
5.8 Oral health techniques and preferences adopted by the
individual are regularly evaluated and modifications
made where appropriate, as an avenue of providing
ongoing maintenance and review
5.9 Customised educational methodologies are used to
encourage a desire to adopt a sense of responsibility for periodontal and oral health status and their own
personal goals
5.10 Methodologies and strategies are adjusted based on
evaluative feedback, to meet the patient’s needs and
preferences
5.11 Cultural sensitivity is executed at all times during all
stages of educational interventions
5.12 Educational intervention is conducted according to the
principles of occupational health, safety and welfare and
infection control guidelines

Element:

6. Implement therapeutic, preventive and supportive interventions for the management of periodontal disease and conditions within the context of dental hygiene practice and as validated by the dental specialist practitioner

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Adhering to the principles of informed consent, the
proposed therapeutic interventions are discussed
comprehensively with the patient, who is provided with
the opportunity to clarify issues, and is informed of
possible outcomes resulting from any planned
treatment. Consent and acceptance of the proposed
treatment modalities are confirmed with the patient
6.2 Selected and prioritised evidence based therapeutic
interventions, validated by the dental specialist
practitioner, are performed according to the care plan,
patient expectations and relevant guidelines, to
eliminate and/or control local etiologic factors
6.3 The need for pain control is determined through
observation and recognition of non-verbal feedback
mechanisms and discussions with the patient, and any
necessary pain control requirements are adequately
addressed
6.4 Ongoing monitoring of treatment outcomes are
undertaken to assess the achievement of the care plan
and patient’s goals and consequently, the effectiveness
of the therapeutic interventions in the elimination and/or
control of local etiologic factors
6.5 Alternative therapeutic interventions are implemented as
indicated and/or requested by the overseeing dental
specialist practitioner, if desired treatment outcomes are
not being achieved
6.6 Any issues or concerns regarding any aspect of
treatment are redirected to the overseeing specialist
practitioner and addressed accordingly
6.7 Preventive strategies are implemented to address the
control of local and general risk conditions and the
necessity for referral to other health professionals is
directed to the overseeing dental practitioner in liaison
with the patient
6.8 Evaluation of patient satisfaction with treatment

outcomes of periodontal and oral health care is actively
sought and addressed as indicated
6.9 Clinical evaluation of hygiene treatment outcomes is
determined and results directed to the overseeing dental
specialist practitioner for further management
6.10 An evidence based maintenance program is designed,
discussed with the patient and implemented, in liaison
with the overseeing specialist dental practitioner, to
maintain oral and periodontal tissue health, as an
essential contributing element of positive overall health
and well being
6.11 All therapeutic, preventive and maintenance
interventions are conducted according to occupational
health, safety and welfare policy and procedures and
infection control policy and procedures

Element:

7. Prepare the surgery for and assist with surgical periodontal procedures

Performance Criteria:

7.1 All equipment, materials and instruments reasonably
expected to be required for any proposed operative or
surgical procedures are gathered and arranged within
the treatment cubicle, dispensed in appropriate quantity
and used according to relevant guidelines and
manufacturer’s recommendations
7.2 Equipment and instruments are maintained according to
relevant guidelines for instrument maintenance
7.3 The surgery is prepared to cater for any predetermined
special needs of the patient, and all necessary safety
precautions during the preparation of the surgery have
been followed
7.4 Chair side assistance with the surgical procedures is
provided
7.5 Dental hygiene therapeutic services are provided during
the surgical procedure as directed and requested by the
dental specialist
7.6 Patient comfort is reviewed and confirmed throughout all
procedures and reassurance is provided in a supportive
manner
7.7 Periodontal dressings are applied according to the
relevant guidelines and as requested
7.8 Post operative oral health care instructions are provided
to the patient
7.9 As requested, periodontal dressings and sutures are
removed and surgical area debrided for preparation of
post operative specialist assessment
7.10 Assistance with all surgical and therapeutic interventions is conducted according to relevant guidelines,
occupational health, safety and welfare policy and
procedures and infection control policy and procedures

Element:

8. Apply a periodontal splint as required

Performance Criteria:

8.1 All equipment, materials and instruments required for
the application of a periodontal splint are gathered and
arranged within the treatment cubicle, dispensed in
appropriate quantity and used according to relevant
guidelines and manufacturer’s recommendations
8.2 Tooth surfaces to be bonded for the application of a
periodontal splint are prepared by removing all soft and
hard deposits on teeth
8.3 Teeth are isolated with cotton rolls to control moisture
and keep surfaces dry
8.4 Teeth are etched according to relevant guidelines and
the manufacturer’s recommendations
8.5 Restorative material is applied to the occlusal third of
the teeth isolated for splinting and cured according to
the manufacturer’s recommendation
8.6 Splint is smoothed through the use of polishing burs and
discs
8.7 Occlusion is checked to maintain occlusal harmony and
to ensure patient comfort and safety. Any occlusal
interferences are eliminated
8.8 The comfort and safety of the patient and operator is
maintained throughout the procedure
8.9 Patient is instructed in oral hygiene techniques and
maintenance of the splint
8.10 The splinting of periodontally involved teeth is
conducted according to occupational health, safety and
welfare policy and procedures and infection control
policy and procedures

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit you will have developed the knowledge, skills, judgments, values and attitudes needed to provide evidence based dental hygiene therapeutic, preventive and supportive services, and educational intervention to patients who are under the care of a specialist dental practitioner, in a periodontal setting, as part of the oral health care team.

Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities: Includes a combination of some or all of the following, Class attendance and participation, individual or group project work, e-learning, self-directed learning, Blackboard collaborate.
role-play/simulation, Pre-Clinical and clinical practice in the simulation lab / undergraduate teaching clinic
Learning Outcomes : To be able to practice effectively as a Professional Dental Hygienist, according to the guidelines and within your scope of practice.

Teaching Schedule

Timetable to be issued

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Written.

Clinical.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment for this course forms part of the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental hygiene)
Refer to the Australian Dental Council June 2011 document “Professional attributes and competencies of the newly qualified dental hygienist for additional information”
Primary assessment involves on-going practical and applied assessment in a clinical workplace or simulated environment such as a supervised student clinic.
Assessment is typically based around written and/or online tests, assignments, reflective journals, evidence portfolio’s, logbooks and/or practical demonstrations.
Competency based training requires the student to be in attendance in order for assessment to be undertaken.
Assessment is undertaken through successful completion of all assessment activities and classroom, project & industry participation.
Assessments are spaced across the duration of the course, in order for your teacher to provide you with progressive feedback.
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
An RMIT assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf ) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document, the Assessment policies and procedures manual (http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc).

Assessment Matrix

Overview of assessment
May include:
Observation in the work place with questioning to address
appropriate application of knowledge
• written assignments/projects/exam
• case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
• questioning – verbal and written
• completion of clinical log book
70% Pass mark